Better Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin is packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants… but most things “pumpkin” are packed with a whole lotta sugar, too. And the sugar sort of defeats the nutritional purpose.

I’m all for sugary pumpkin goodness on a special occasion, but what if I’m in the mood for pumpkin spice at 10am on a Tuesday? You know what I mean?⁠

Enter Better Pumpkin Bars.⁠ There’s no flour or refined sugar, and it uses nut butter which helps the absorption of the vitamin A power in pumpkin.

Definitely a feel-good food for a Tuesday morning to satisfy my seasonal craving.

Better Pumpkin Bars⠀

1/2 cup pumpkin puree⁠⠀

1/2 cup almond butter⁠⠀

1/4 cup maple syrup⁠⠀

2 eggs, whisked⁠⠀

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice⁠⠀

1 tsp cinnamon⁠⠀

1 tbs vanilla extract⁠⠀

1/4 tsp sea salt⁠⠀

1/2 tsp baking soda⁠⠀

Optional: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, chopped pecans or both! ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and heavily grease an 8” x 8” pan (or equivalent) with coconut oil or butter.⁠

2. Mix all ingredients except chocolate chips/pecans until a smooth batter forms.⁠

3. Pour batter into the greased pan and sprinkle with optional chocolate chips and/or pecans.⁠

4. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the center is firm.⁠

Enjoy!